Young Entrepreneurs Program

Hosts Event in Monticello

Indianapolis – The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) has completed its first of four regional workshops concerning the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP). 

Over 25 local officials and community stake-holders participated in the March 15 Monticello event.

“The workshop was great; especially the one-on-one technical guidance,” said Nathan P. Origer, Executive Director of Pulaski County CDC/Economic Development. “The Young Entrepreneurs Program should succeed in linking communities to budding entrepreneurs, and inspiring communities and regions to build and sustain their economies by supporting homegrown talent,” he added.

Janet Dold, Executive Director of the Greater Monticello Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau said, “The workshop was very helpful and valuable.  In particular, I appreciated the collaboration between the universities and the Indiana Small Business Development Center as well as the one-on-one technical assistance.”

YEP assists college students and recent graduates in making their business plans become a reality in Indiana.  OCRA, in partnership with the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), works with local and regional communities to connect college-aged entrepreneurs who are motivated to start new businesses.

Lieutenant Governor Ellsperamnn has been the driving force behind YEP and authored the legislation to create YEP during her time as a state representative.

“Our young entrepreneurs are the future of our economy. We want to support and encourage these creative minds so Indiana can be home to the next Apple or Google,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann.

There are three more upcoming regional workshops, which are free and open to local government officials and community stakeholders who are interested in participating in the program.  They run from 9:00 am to 11:30 am.

March 22        Indianapolis -  Government Center South

                                                420 West Washington – Room 22

March 28        Scottsburg -    Mid-America Tech Park

                                                821 South Lake Rd S, Scottsburg, IN 47170

            April 5            Huntingburg - Location TBA

Registration for the free workshops can be made at the following link:  http://www.in.gov/ocra/2619.htm

Please contact your OCRA Community Liaison http://www.in.gov/ocra/2284.htm for further information or assistance.

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The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs was created by legislation in 2005, making rural Indiana a major focus for the first time. For additional information on OCRA and its programs visit www.in.gov/ocra.